Chinese rock band Tang Dynasty will be a headline act at this year's Auckland Lantern Festival from February 13 to 16.

The group gained cult status in its homeland during the 1990s and will play hour-long concerts to wrap up main stage performances on all three days of the event.

The Lantern Festival is organised by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) in partnership with Asia New Zealand Foundation.

The event is is one of the biggest and most popular cultural extravaganzas in the region and will include a Lantern only evening on day one at Albert Park and further festivities on Queens Wharf.

Other acts includes the Shanghai Jiangzhou Drum Troupe, one of the foremost drumming groups in China, and all girl dance band, The Butterfly Troupe.

A traditional kitemaker will also demonstrate his craft,

"We have created a programme that is one of wonderful contrasts, from high energy rock bands to relaxing wind instruments, and acts that use ancient traditions to ultra-modern technologies," ATEEDDestination and Marketing general manager Rachael Carroll says.

"We are excited and honoured that Aucklanders will be able to experience this calibre of Chinese culture at our celebrations.

Asia New Zealand Foundation works with the Chinese Ministry of Culture to find and sponsor the very best performing groups in China.